County stuck with $24 million green debt

It would be easy to criticize the Sussex County Freeholders for their decision to issue $27.7 million in debt so that municipal buildings could be �green. However, I'd like to focus on repercussions of a decision based on a larger green government scam. By 2012, more than 50 government-backed green energy companies had failed, resulting in costs to the U.S. taxpayer, exceeding $90 billion. The SunLight General Capital investment� here in Sussex is another example of government intrusion into the marketplace and forcing its agenda upon hapless citizens.

Time and time again we witness the failure of government when it invades the marketplace. A few examples include Amtrak, the savings and loan crisis of the 1980s and 90s, the real estate bubble brought about by the federal government forcing banks to make risky loans, and recently Obamacare, which now has a calculated cost range of $17,000-$50,000 per enrollee. In most cases, the marketplace responds in some way to try and offset the government behemoth, which often results in more pain for those of us who actually earn a living and pay our excessive taxes. In the case of green�energy, why not let the marketplace decide? Why do local governments give in to the crumbling facade of global warming?

In the future, let us elect people who understand how to manage and forecast farther than the next election. Let us rely on known and proven technology, stable investments, and hard work to discern the issues at hand. This requires us citizens to take the time, step in at the local, state, and national level, and provide the leadership what it needs to make educated decisions. At the same time, our leaders must take a step back, ruthlessly reign in excessive spending, and eliminate kickbacks for cronies so that the market can operate freely as intended.

Paul Anderson
Ogdensburg